National PTA Founders’ Day Date in the current year: February 17, 2024

The National Parent-Teacher Association was founded on February 17, 1897 by Phoebe Hearst and Alice Birney. It was originally called the National Congress of Mothers. The first convocation of the Congress was attended by approximately 2,000 people – teachers, parents, legislators, and laborers.

Eventually, the organization was officially renamed the National Congress of Parents and Teachers. In 1970, it merged with the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers founded by Selena Butler.

Most K-8 schools in the USA, as well as some preschools and high schools, have a PTA. When a person joins a local PTA, they automatically become a member of both the state and National PTAs.

The National PTA unites parents, teachers, students, administrators, and community and business leaders. It is the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the country aimed at improving children's lives in education, safety and health.